The design was required after another design, completed another firm, resulted in a minimum bid of $115M. The design and rebid process included engaging six (6) contractors from the original bidding process and evaluating the contractors based on qualifications and project approach. Under very tight time constraints, Hudson provided complete design plans and specifications to the selected contractor for pricing. Hudson then worked with the Independent Cost Estimator to evaluate the selected contractors’ bid and engage in value engineering to make sure the project goals were reached within the designated budget. Once Hudson completed the design for the project and the CM-CG process, the DRBA saved nearly $25M. The savings were realized by eliminating dredging of the material in the cells, utilizing wick drains to speed consolidation of existing sediments, and reducing the overall amount of steel and concrete required in the final configuration. The protection system represents one of the largest free standing cell structure projects ever built. In addition, Hudson acquired permit extensions and modifications from USACE and DNREC which enabled construction of the trestle bridge, another cost saving component of the project. Hudson reviewed all submittals for materials, design of intermediate structures, and participated in Contractor design modification review.
The design includes the construction of eight (8) steel cells, filled with sand and capped with concrete and rock. The strategically placed cells are designed to AASHTO standards with the intention of stopping or deflecting a neo-Panamex size container vessel, over 1000 feet in length, from hitting the bridge piers. An extensive risk assessment was performed to capture all of the possible scenarios and angles of a potential ship strike. Each cell measures 80 feet in diameter and their construction, involves driving up to 135 feet long steel sheet piles 80-90 feet into the river bottom.
Hudson participated in the review of the test pile program to verify the designs, as well as participating in the Construction Management and monitoring phase of the project with the Authority’s construction manager.
Scope of Services
- Engineer of Design
- Feasibility Study with several options for the protection system.
- Obtained permits from DENREC & USACE
- Expedited Design build CM-GC process to meeting to meet schedule and budget
- Engineering and Design Plans
- AASHTO risk assessment.
- Total Installed Cost Estimates and Schedules.
- Hydrographic Surveys
